Flip-Flopping on Decriminalization

The Backbench

When B.C. decriminalized small amounts of drugs in January 2023, it was seen as a promising weapon in the battle against the drug crisis. In May, B.C. walked that policy back, saying it caused disorder in the streets.

In a similar move, Toronto tried decriminalizing, but the feds quickly shot down their attempt. So what gives? Was this year-long experiment a disaster? Was it not given enough time to flourish?

To find out, Mattea Roach asked professor Gillian Kolla, journalist Andrea Woo, and former drug user and advocate Guy Felicella.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Noor Azrieh (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Guy Felicella, Andrea Woo, Gillian Kolla

Background reading:

• #36 Is Canada Ready to Decriminalize Drugs? – The Backbench
• Detox beds in B.C. routinely sit empty because of staff shortages – The Globe and Mail
• Opinion: Backtracking on drug decriminalization is politically cowardly – and illogical – The Globe and Mail
• British Columbia drops decriminalization of drugs in public – The Guardian
• Addictions minister had ‘deep concerns’ with Toronto’s decriminalization pitch – Global News
• Decriminalization in B.C.
• Decriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C.

Sponsors: Douglas, AG1

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